Notices

History

Tradition | Excellence | Opportunity

The Grey Vision

Grey remains as one of the leading schools in the country, with a culture and value system that support its fine heritage. Grey is recognised for its competitiveness and excellence in academic, sporting and cultural activities, as well as for its ability to consistently produce leaders.

What is History?

History is a study of man, of his mistakes and of his development. In simplest terms, history is the story of the human experience. While history teaching originally focused on the facts of political history such as wars and dynasties, contemporary history education has assumed a more integrative approach offering students an expanded view of historical knowledge that includes aspects of geography, religion, anthropology, philosophy, economics, technology, art and society. This wider embrace is sometimes reflected in the vague but ubiquitous term, “social studies.” Many historians have different expressions and interpretations of what History is:

History is the witness that testifies to the passing of time; it illuminates reality, vitalizes memory, provides guidance in daily life, and brings us tidings of antiquity.” Cicero

History is for human self-knowledge. Knowing yourself means knowing, first, what it is to be a person; secondly, knowing what it is to be the kind of person you are; and thirdly, knowing what it is to be the person you are and nobody else is. Knowing yourself means knowing what you can do; and since nobody knows what they can do until they try, the only clue to what man can do is what man has done. The value of history, then, is that it teaches us what man has done and thus what man is.” R. G. Collingwood

Only a good-for-nothing is not interested in his past.” Sigmund Freud

Overview

History is a very popular learning area and many students enroll for the subject. The curriculum is determined by the Education Department which covers various topics in World, African and South African history.

Policy

It is to ensure a pleasant learning environment, emphasizing key questions that affect the lives of people from the past, present and future perspective. The department is aware of the unique contribution it can make to empower people and communities in our transforming society and the rapidly changing technological environment.

The academic and general formative programmes, research initiatives and community involvement not only satisfy the diverse needs of the local community but also contribute significantly to finding solutions for issues arising as a result of the developments in the local and international community.

Our Department aims to develop students who think critically and creatively, communicate effectively participate actively in their communities. We are committed to preparing well-educated, thoughtful and contributing citizens of the world.

Modern teaching aids like power point presentations and DVD are used frequently during lessons. Teachers often are involved in seminars and training courses offered by the Department of Education in order to stay in touch with modern trends of teaching skills.

History is enjoyed by most students and is compulsory in Grades 8 and 9.